A middle age man looking healthy and active from Hormone Replacement Therapy in San Francisco, CA.

Hormone Replacement Therapy in San Francisco

Are you struggling with anxiety, erectile dysfunction, fatigue, or a reduced sex drive? These are all common symptoms associated with hormone imbalances in men. As men grow older, it’s not unusual for them to experience hormone fluctuations. Testosterone, in particular, often begins to decrease by up to 3% annually after age 30.(1) However, most men don’t notice any symptoms until several years after their hormones start to decline. But just because you’re experiencing symptoms doesn’t mean it’s too late to do something about it. Hormone replacement therapy in San Francisco can help you regain your old self.

Smart Medicine is a trusted provider of testosterone replacement therapy for men. We use bioidentical hormones that are more likely to integrate well with the body than traditional HRT. Bioidentical hormones may also cause fewer and milder side effects than other types. If you want to boost your energy levels, increase your sex drive, and make it easier to manage your weight, call us at (415) 598-7633. We’ll answer any questions about this treatment and help you schedule an appointment.

How Hormone Therapy Benefits Women & Men

Whether you’re a woman navigating the challenges of perimenopause or a man facing low testosterone, hormone replacement therapy (HRT) may provide relief. Symptoms like irritability, depression, fatigue, weight gain, and loss of lean muscle mass can indicate a hormonal imbalance. Additionally, men with low testosterone may experience sexual performance issues and a decline in self-confidence. For both men and women, bioidentical hormone therapy can help restore balance and improve overall well-being. Here are some key benefits of bioidentical hormone replacement treatment:

  • Enhanced mental clarity
  • Improved weight management
  • Decreased stress levels
  • Boosted self-confidence
  • Improved sexual performance and desire
  • Better mood control
  • Improved sleep quality
  • Higher energy levels

Signs You May Need Hormone Replacement Therapy

Hormone imbalances are pretty common among older adults. Unfortunately, many people don’t realize those symptoms and might mistake them for other health issues. If you don’t understand the root of the problem, you may not know how to address it. Here are some of the most common hormone imbalance symptoms men experience:

  • Sleep disturbances
  • Unexplained weight gain
  • High stress and anxiety levels
  • Erectile dysfunction
  • Decreased muscle mass
  • Depression
  • Decreased libido
  • Chronic low energy
  • Infertility
  • Breast tissue development

Some of these symptoms could potentially stem from other health issues. For example, unexplained weight gain could stem from type 2 diabetes, Hashimoto’s disease, or even certain medications. However, if you experience more than one of the symptoms from the above list, you may be dealing with low testosterone. Hormone replacement therapy could be the best option for restoring proper hormone balance.

What to Expect During Hormone Replacement Therapy

Traditional testosterone hormone replacement treatments come in a variety of forms. They include creams, patches, pills, and more. All of these treatment forms contain testosterone, but they may not be a type that’s well-accepted by the body. To increase the efficacy of treatments, we provide bioidentical testosterone. It’s more likely than non-bioidentical options to mesh naturally with the body with fewer side effects.

We often recommend transdermal testosterone or testosterone injections for men because they can be adjusted to suit the patient’s needs and provide lasting benefits. Each injection lasts about three months. Many people find it easier to receive treatment once every three months instead of taking a pill or using a cream every day.

The testosterone injection process may sound painful, but we numb the injection site beforehand. We also choose an injection site that has a higher fat composition, so you feel minimal discomfort during treatment. The most common injection site is near the hip. After we inject the testosterone, we carefully close the site with Steri-Strips to reduce the likelihood of infection. After about a week, you can safely remove your Steri-Strips.

Am I a Good Candidate for Hormone Replacement Therapy?

If you have recently experienced a decline in your energy levels, libido, and enthusiasm for life, you may be a good candidate for hormone therapy. You may not be a good candidate for this treatment if you have:

  • a pre-existing heart condition
  • enlarged prostate
  • high blood pressure.

See us for a thorough physical evaluation to determine whether this treatment is right for you.

Are there Possible Side Effects of Hormone Therapy?

Possible side effects of hormone therapy for men include headaches, acne, weight fluctuations, mood swings, and sleep disturbances. Rarely, some people experience serious side effects like blood clots, heart disease, and certain cancers. Fortunately, the rate of complications for bioidentical hormones seems lower than in other forms. One study shows that the overall complication rate is less than 1%. (2) Most people do not have notable adverse reactions to treatment.

What Can I Do if I Experience Side Effects?

If you experience unwanted side effects during treatment, let us know. We can decrease your dosage to help you get optimum benefits without unwanted symptoms. We will also help you schedule follow-up treatments and maintenance appointments to ensure you always get the ideal dosage for your needs.

HRT Testimonials

“Dr. Ngo has been my doctor for the past year; we started with management of my perimenopausal symptoms and later transitioned to bioidentical hormone replacement therapy. Dr. Ngo is very knowledgeable, he answers all my questions, explains what to expect and makes the whole process from consultations to taking tests to follow ups and getting my prescription easy and convenient. I feel that I am in good hands and can’t be happier with my results of having quality of my life back. Thank you, Dr. Ngo!” – Tatiana G.

Schedule Your Hormone Replacement Appointment in San Francisco

Whether you’re interested in HRT or TRT, the experts at Smart Medicine can help. There’s no reason to live in a tired, sluggish haze when you can regain your vigor and vitality with treatment. Hormone replacement treatments could potentially change your life and boost your confidence. To learn more about how bio-identical hormone injections work or to schedule hormone therapy in San Francisco, call Smart Medicine at (415) 598-7633.

Hormone Therapy FAQs

How much does HRT in San Francisco cost?

Different providers charge different rates for hormone treatments. However, the average cost per treatment is between $350 and $450. Contact us to get a detailed, customized treatment plan and quote.

What does hormone replacement therapy do to your body?

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) helps restore hormonal balance in the body by supplementing declining levels of key hormones like estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone. For women, HRT can alleviate symptoms of menopause, such as hot flashes, mood swings, and bone loss, while also supporting heart and brain health. In men, it can boost energy levels, improve muscle mass, enhance libido, and support mental clarity. HRT can improve overall well-being and quality of life by optimizing hormone levels. However, it’s important to work with a healthcare provider to determine the right approach for individual needs.

Will I lose weight on hormone replacement therapy?

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can support weight management by addressing hormonal imbalances that contribute to weight gain, but it is not a guaranteed weight loss solution. When hormones like estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone are balanced, metabolism can improve, making it easier to maintain a healthy weight. Many people experience reduced fat accumulation, enhanced energy levels, and better muscle mass retention with HRT, which can aid in weight loss efforts. However, diet, exercise, and lifestyle choices are crucial in achieving and maintaining a healthy weight while on HRT.

At what age should a woman start taking hormone replacement?

You can typically start HRT as soon as menopausal symptoms begin without the need for initial testing. However, if you are between 40 and 45, a blood test may be conducted to assess your hormone levels before beginning treatment.

Does insurance cover hormone replacement therapy?

Yes, insurance often covers hormone replacement therapy (HRT), but coverage varies based on your plan and the specific services included. To confirm your benefits, you can contact your health insurance provider directly.

What are the first signs that HRT is working?

The first signs that hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is working often appear within a few weeks and may include improved mood, increased energy levels, and better sleep quality. Many people also notice reduced symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, and brain fog. For men, increased muscle strength, enhanced libido, and improved mental clarity can be early indicators of progress. While some benefits may be felt quickly, full effects typically develop over a few months as hormone levels stabilize.

Sources:
1 Testosterone for the aging male; current evidence and recommended practice. Clinical Interventions in Aging.
2 Low complication rates of testosterone and estradiol implants for androgen and estrogen replacement therapy in over 1 million procedures. Therapeutic Advances in Endocrinology and Metabolism.